So there you are, walking into the gym for the very first time. You might be a combination of anxious and eager to get started, but like any first timer, you need to be briefed. Briefed on the things that both are, and aren't relevant to your health and fitness progression. For the most part, this blog post is here to act as a little helping hand. Nobody should enter a gym feeling scared, everybody starts somewhere after all, so take these points on board and enjoy it! Disclaimer: do not take any of these points personally. They are simply here to lighten the experience for those who’re new to ‘gym culture’. You WILL be asked if you’re using that equipment “Oh, er, excuse me. Are you using that?” Well, the sheer fact that you’re holding the exact kettlebell that they’re pointing at would suggest that yes, you are in fact using that, but this won’t be the last time you’re asked. It’s up to you how you handle it. Either give it away and then sit there wondering how you’re meant to complete your final set of weighted sit-ups, or stand your ground and hang on to that kettlebell as though it’s your own offspring. You WILL have your area invaded Workout area that is, nothing more personal (we’d hope, anyway). You’ll have your perfect little set up going on, mat and all, and boom. You walk three feet away to pick up a pair of dumbbells and one of the regulars has nabbed your spot. Now this can go one of two ways, you can either confront said regular and inform them that the mat they're stood on belonged to you no more than fifteen seconds ago, or you can shuffle away discreetly, dumbbells in hand, looking for the next available spot. We’ll leave that up to you. You WILL swap sweat Gross, right? But it’ll happen. Our advice is to take a towel with you and mop everything before you make direct contact with it. Then go home, shower, and burn the towel. Just kidding (sort of), just make sure you have several clean towels on hand for your next venture to the gym. You wouldn’t want to be caught towel-less as you approach a particularly damp leg press, would you? Be courteous to others too, nobody wants your sweat on their shorts either. You WILL hear bizarre noises from fellow gym-goers Whether it’s grunting, squealing, or noises which you’ve not heard up until this very moment, you will have your attention diverted to a nearby lifter at one stage or another. Feel free to look at them if you must, but it won't make them stop. If they’re genuinely putting everything they have into that rep, then fair enough, grunt away, but there's a chance that they're doing it to get all eyes on them and their muscles. We'll never know. What does it matter anyway? You're there for you, and you only. You WILL encounter a gymnast They could be owning that bar like that crafted it with their own bare hands, or performing handstands on that Bosu ball like they’re made of iron, but don’t be put off. This is totally ok, and can actually serve as some sort of mid-set entertainment. Just don’t lose focus too easily. If you're looking to build your core and upper body strength, then these are the kinds of people to start a conversation with! You could learn a lot. You WILL feel tempted to join that noisy fitness class And by all means, go for it! Classes are a great way to up your fitness game. Just remember that most people in that class have probably been going for several months at the very least, and so they will all nail every move, every-god-damn-time. That’s ok, because you too will be one of them soon! Everyone starts somewhere, right? Just be prepared, that’s all we’re saying, and make sure you take plenty of water with you. These class instructors take no prisoners. You WILL see something you didn't expect to see in a gym It could be anything from someone wearing an accessory to maximise their performance, to somebody walking backwards on a treadmill. You’ll see things, things that might not make sense to you. The likelihood is that there's a damn good reason for what they're wearing or doing, so take it in your stride and enjoy your surroundings. After all, you’re all there for the same reason. Better still? Get involved! See what the fuss is all about. That's probably how they got into it. You WILL be approached by a PT Now it might just be because they fancy you, but they could also be walking over with the intent to help you. If you're new, there's a chance your form is a little off, so if a PT tries to give you advice - take it! Yes it's a little embarrasing at first, and yes it can take time to perfect your form, but it's worth the effort to ensure you prevent injury. Another reason you might be approached is to ask what you're doing. PTs love to absorb knowledge, naturally - it's their job, so if you're killing a session then they're going to want to know what it is you're doing. If this happens, you're nailing the gym, so feel proud! Last but not least, they want business. Fair play to them, if you don't ask you don't get, right? Whether you chuck their card in the recycling when you get home or you take them up on their offer, that's up to you, but don't rule them out straight away. You don't need to sign your life away, either. Even just a few PT sessions will help you learn so many valuable skills. Don't let the gym rule you, rule the gym yourself! But play nice, let's keep it friendly, shall we?